After a number of well-publicised incidents – including a shooting, and a stand-off between two groups of armed police – and numerous complaints from hotel guests that they couldn’t sleep because of the noise, the pubs shut down.
The soi has been largely abandoned since.
But last week YESs Club, held its grand opening event.
The new owners, who also operate V.R. Seafood, opposite Poonpol Soi 5, invested about B4 million in renovating the old Alien Pub in luxurious style.
What was once a ruin is now a three-storey pleasure palace with 20 serving staff, 25 ‘coyote’ dancers, a cooking rock band, deejay and sensuous showgirls.
If YESs is successful, perhaps it will help rejuvenate a soi many still have fond memories of.
The club is located across from the clock-tower traffic circle on Phuket Rd between the Metropole Hotel and immediately behind T2 pub.